2 security plans in Najaf, Karbala for Shiite occasion

NAJAF / IraqiNews.com: The Najaf Police Department hatched a security plan to protect pilgrims that would be heading to the holy Shiite city of Karbala for the Arbaeen , a department spokesperson said on Thursday. “The plan is central and exclusively supervised by the Najaf police chief,” Capt. Ali al-Shareefi told IraqiNews.com news agency. “Around 40,000 servicemen of the Iraqi army and police will be deployed in accordance with this plan,” he added. The Arbaeen marks the 40th day after the killing of Imam al-Hussein, a figure highly revered by Shiite Muslims, in the battle of Taf on the Muslim Hegira calendar year of 60 (681 on the Gregorian calendar). MH (P)/AmR 1